Indonesia to repatriate 2 convicted Dutch drug traffickers, including one on death row
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia and the Netherlands have reached an agreement to repatriate two Dutch nationals who were convicted of drug offences in Indonesia. One of them is facing the death penalty, while the other is serving a life sentence.
The agreement was signed by officials in Jakarta and Amsterdam after a request from the Dutch king and foreign ministry for the release of the two men, both of whom are in poor health. Indonesia’s senior law minister, Yusril Ihza Mahendra, confirmed the agreement.
Mahendra, who signed the agreement in Jakarta, stated that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto approved the request. The men are expected to be returned to the Netherlands on Dec. 8.
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel also signed the agreement in Amsterdam, with delegations from both countries present at the event.
The Dutch Ambassador to Indonesia, Marc Gerritsen, expressed gratitude for Indonesia’s decision to allow the repatriation of the two Dutch detainees for humanitarian reasons. He emphasized the good cooperation between the two countries in matters of justice and law.
Under President Prabowo’s administration, Indonesia has repatriated several foreign prisoners through bilateral agreements with their respective countries. This includes individuals from the Philippines, Australia, and the UK who were facing drug-related charges.
Indonesia, despite having strict drug laws, remains a major hub for drug smuggling according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The country currently has around 530 people on death row, with a significant number of them being foreigners.
